[hermantheshocker]

Images from Brazil. Backstory unknown.











Decomposition, or putrefaction, is a combination of two processes: autolysis and bacterial action. Autolysis is the breakdown of cells and organs through an aseptic chemical process caused by intracellular enzymes. Because it is a chemical process, it is accelerated by heat, slowed by cold, and stopped by freezing. Bacterial action results in the conversion of soft tissues in the body to liquids and gases. The chemicals produced as a result of putrefaction are cadaverine and butyl mercaptides as well as hydrogen sulfide and other sulfides, which generate a horrible smell.

Putrefaction begins immediately upon death and usually becomes noticeable within 24 hours. As soon as death occurs, the bacteria or microorganisms within the intestinal tract escape from the bowel into the other tissues of the body. As they grow, they begin to produce gases and other properties that distort and discolor the tissues of the body.

The discoloration is a dark greenish combination of colors and is generally pronounced within 36 hours. As a result, the body begins to swell from the putrefactive gases, emitting an extremely repugnant odor. The rate of decomposition depends on the temperature, ground conditions, amount of clothing, size of the body, etc. For example, a body in a warm climate will not only encourage insect attack from the outside, but will also increase the interior bacteria development and subsequent tissue attack from within. As the tissues inside are destroyed and enzymes released, the gases formed emit a foul and sickening smell.

This particular method of determining time of death is very inaccurate because of the variables involved. The putrefactive changes disfigure the facial features, making visual identification by relatives impossible. Postmortem changes may also alter the appearance of and camouflage antemortem injuries. When bloating and darkening occur, it may be difficult to determine the race and color of the deceased.

Because putrefaction, just like rigor mortis, is subject to a great variation, the estimate must be based on other sources derived from the autopsy and the scene. It has been established that even in deaths occurring as a result of the same cause, with identical environmental conditions, one body showed an advanced state of putrefaction and the other showed little change.


The general signs of putrefaction are:

1. Greenish discoloration of abdomen and genitals.
2. Veins in the skin are blue or purplish due to pigment of decomposing blood. This is referred to as marbling. Marbling is produced by the hemolysis of blood vessels with reaction of hemoglobin and hydrogen sulfides and development of red, purple, or greenish black discoloration along the vessels.
3. After the body fluid dries, a yellow parchment-like membrane forms.
4. After several days:

• The abdomen swells and the body bloats (from gas).
• Purge fluid emits from mouth and nose (the source being the lungs and stomach).
• Rectum may empty.
• Skin blisters resembling peeling sunburn and filled with watery fluid and putrefactive gases appear on the skin, which has darkened.

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[laal]

Awesome post as always, Herman. May I ask if it's possible that you have access to most, if not all, the identified and unidentified dead tsunami victims? I bet there's more than what was posted in Ogrish back in the days.

[hermantheshocker]

Originally Posted by laal ↗

Awesome post as always, Herman. May I ask if it's possible that you have access to most, if not all, the identified and unidentified dead tsunami victims? I bet there's more than what was posted in Ogrish back in the days.

Thanks. Unfortunately I only know about the Ogrish ones.

[northernlights]

I was smart this time Hermann. This time I had lunch before I viewed your new post. hee hee hee

[northernlights]

This may have been a cadaver research place judging by the tub and the different stages of decay through the pictures. Or it could have been just your local nutjob's place too .